More demanding quality standards in international markets and lack of financing explain the 40% drop reported in exports to November 2019.

According to figures from the Center for Export Procedures (Cetrex), between January and November 2019 the country exported 442 tons of natural honey, a volume that is 20% lower than the tons traded during the same period in 2018.

Currently production is less than 500 tonnes per year, equivalent to 0.09% of what was imported globally last year (518,818 tonnes). According to Luz Marina Arana, coordinator of marketing research of the Center for Export and Investment (CEI), although Nicaraguan honey has entered duty free since 2004, with the entry into force of the trade agreement, "the new rules will stabilize trade and expand the possibility of new markets. "

There are currently 22,600 hives across the country, a figure that could reach 300,000 with additional profits of $20 million.

At present, there are about 22,600 hives across Nicaragua, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (Magfor) - the Nicaraguan National Beekeeping Commission estimates there are just over 30,000 - but older studies claim that there is potential to have 300,000 hives, reports Laprensa.com.ni.